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2020 Kia Sorento Engine Knocking: Diagnosis & Fixes

By ClearTheCode · Published 2026-05-31 · ~6 min read

Experiencing a 2020 Kia Sorento engine knocking sound? Learn common causes, how to diagnose it, and effective repair options to restore your engine's health.

At a glance

Difficulty
6/10 — Moderate
Est. repair cost
$100 – $900 (parts + typical shop labor)
OEM tooling
Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools
Common symptoms
  • Light tapping or ticking: Often points to valvetrain issues (lifters
  • rockers) or fuel injector noise.
  • Heavy thudding or clunking: More indicative of serious internal problems like worn rod or main bearings.
  • Rhythmic knocking: A consistent sound that speeds up with engine RPM.
  • Intermittent knocking: May occur only at certain temperatures or engine loads.

Is your 2020 Kia Sorento engine making a distinct knocking sound? This unsettling noise can range from a light tap to a heavy thud, often signaling a serious internal engine problem that requires immediate attention. Ignoring an engine knock can lead to catastrophic engine failure and significantly higher repair costs down the road.

What drivers notice on this 2020 Kia Sorento

Drivers of a 2020 Kia Sorento experiencing an engine knock typically report a metallic, rhythmic sound that often changes with engine RPM. This noise might be most noticeable during:

  • Cold starts: A light knock that may lessen as the engine warms up.
  • Acceleration: The knocking sound becomes louder or more pronounced when pressing the accelerator.
  • Idle: A consistent, rhythmic knock at idle.
  • Load: Knocking under heavy load, such as driving uphill or towing.

Alongside the noise, you might also observe a decrease in engine power, increased oil consumption, or the illumination of the Check Engine Light (CEL).

At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

  • Difficulty Rating: 6/10 — Moderate
  • Common Symptoms: Light tapping or ticking: Often points to valvetrain issues (lifters, rockers) or fuel injector noise.; Heavy thudding or clunking: More indicative of serious internal problems like worn rod or main bearings.; Rhythmic knocking: A consistent sound that speeds up with engine RPM.; Intermittent knocking: May occur only at certain temperatures or engine loads.
  • Estimated Repair Cost: $100–$900 (parts + typical shop labor)
  • OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

Diagnostic workflow:

  1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
  2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
  3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
  4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
  5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

What is different on this year and model

The 2020 Kia Sorento was available with several engine options, including a 2.4L GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 4-cylinder and a 3.3L GDI V6. GDI engines, while efficient, can sometimes be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves, which can indirectly affect combustion and lead to pre-ignition or knocking-like sounds. Furthermore, like many modern engines, proper oil maintenance is critical to prevent wear on internal components such as bearings and valvetrain parts, which are common sources of knocking if neglected.

Symptoms and warning signs

An engine knocking sound is itself a primary symptom, but it can manifest in various ways and be accompanied by other indicators:

  • Light tapping or ticking: Often points to valvetrain issues (lifters, rockers) or fuel injector noise.
  • Heavy thudding or clunking: More indicative of serious internal problems like worn rod or main bearings.
  • Rhythmic knocking: A consistent sound that speeds up with engine RPM.
  • Intermittent knocking: May occur only at certain temperatures or engine loads.
  • Loss of power or sluggish acceleration: The engine may not be running efficiently.
  • Increased oil consumption: Worn internal parts can lead to oil burning.
  • Check Engine Light (CEL): Can illuminate for misfires (P030X codes), engine timing issues, or other related faults. You can learn more about common OBD-II codes and what they mean.

How to verify and confirm the issue

Confirming the source of a 2020 Kia Sorento engine knocking sound requires a systematic approach:

  • Listen with a mechanic's stethoscope: This tool helps pinpoint the exact location of the sound (e.g., top of engine, cylinder heads, oil pan area).
  • Check oil level and condition: Low oil can cause severe knocking due to lack of lubrication. Also, inspect the oil for metallic flakes, which indicate internal wear.
  • Scan for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs): Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored codes, even if the CEL isn't on. Misfire codes (P0301-P0306) or codes related to engine timing can be relevant.
  • Oil pressure test: Connect a mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify the engine's oil pressure at idle and higher RPMs. Low oil pressure is a critical indicator of bearing wear.
  • Compression and leak-down tests: These tests assess the health of the cylinders, pistons, and valves. Poor results can indicate piston or ring issues that might contribute to knocking.
  • Visual inspection: Look for external leaks, damaged belts, or loose components that might mimic an engine knock.
  • Remove serpentine belt: Briefly run the engine without the serpentine belt (for less than a minute) to rule out accessories (alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump) as the source of the noise.

Common causes (most likely first)

Engine knocking in a 2020 Kia Sorento can stem from various issues, ranging from minor to severe:

  • Low or dirty engine oil: Insufficient lubrication is a leading cause of internal engine wear and knocking.
  • Worn connecting rod bearings: These bearings support the connecting rods to the crankshaft. When worn, they create a distinct, heavy knock, especially under load.
  • Worn main bearings: These support the crankshaft itself. Wear here also causes a deep knocking sound.
  • Piston slap: Occurs when pistons wear or have excessive clearance in the cylinder bores, causing them to

This guide is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; use a qualified technician for safety-critical repairs.

Frequently asked questions

How urgent is this problem?

If symptoms are worsening or safety systems are affected, diagnose soon; minor issues can often wait for a scheduled service visit.

Can I drive with this issue?

Short trips may be acceptable for some faults, but stop driving if you notice overheating, loss of braking, steering problems, or strong fuel smells.

Do I need a dealer scan tool?

A basic OBD-II scanner helps confirm codes; some steps still need visual checks and meter tests described above.

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